PHP and Addiction Resources
The MSDC Physician Health Program is a private, confidential, non-disciplinary program that works to advocate for the health and well-being of all physicians in the metropolitan Washington, DC, area and to safeguard the public.
The Program
is HIPAA compliant and protects the confidentiality of participant records as set forth under DC and Federal law. The program is administered by the Medical Society of DC and is separate from the DC Board of Medicine.
Learn more about this program at our Healthy Physician Foundation page
Support Your Colleagues
Do you want to help support your fellow physicians going through their own struggles? The Healthy Physician Foundation supports the PHP and our efforts to supports physicians in need. Your generous gift allows MSDC to continue this important program and extend our reach to all physicians.
KevinMD: We must start looking for drowning colleagues
In a new article for KevinMD.com, Allyson Hart, MD, shares her experience with physician suicide and argues that the entire community needs to be aware of each other. The article was prompted by media reports of a physician who committed suicide. Dr. Hart writes:
Drowning prevention campaigns remind us that it is typically silent and unremarkable, unlike the flailing arms and loud cries portrayed on television. Someone right next to you in the water could be in distress, and you can miss it if you aren’t actively looking. It turns out, facing suicide feels a lot like looking up at the blue sky from two inches under the water’s surface, struggling to breathe, and trying to find the energy to pull yourself up for air. Feeling invisible to those around you, at some point, you’re too exhausted to swim anymore.
If you need a resource, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you need to speak to someone immediately, call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.
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